Similarly to working from an office, when you work remotely, there’s plenty to do when it comes to increasing your presence in the professional world. Whether it’s growing bigger social media followings, networking during face-to-face events, or getting your work out to the public and potential clients, increasing your profile is a smart move for anyone interested in a long-term and successful career. So how do you do it?
There are a few ways to get yourself in the game, and depending on your personality and preferences, some tips might feel more applicable to you than others. Take some time to look through our pointers on increasing your profile and deciding what route (or routes!) is best for you.
1. Become more active on social media.
Whether you like it or not, social media makes the world go round. Or, at the very least, it makes things go viral. Having a strong social media presence can do wonders for a career, helping connect you with potential clients and opportunities, as well as giving you a free and bustling outlet for sharing your work.
Creating a presence on social media isn’t just about posting all the time (though, that is important too). It’s also largely about interacting with other users’ posts and joining in on virtual discussions that are happening in the moment. Think about it this way, nobody wants to “follow you” and hear what you have to say if you’re not interested in hearing about what they have to say. Makes sense to us.
2. Attend local conferences and networking events.
If you feel like you already spend too much time at a computer and want to get some more flesh and blood interactions happening in your professional life, attending local conference and networking events is a great first step.
Conferences are ideal for introductions, and you’ll often find some big names speaking at them. Similarly, more casual networking events can also get you dialed into the local community. Face-to-face interaction goes a long way, and you never know what might come of a fifteen minute conversation with a fellow professional at a conference or networking event.
3. Build a website that shows off your work.
If somebody does an online search for you or your type of work, you want them to land on a professional looking web page that highlights your experience, skills, and rates. Great websites will showcase high quality work samples and provide a way for visitors to easily reach out to you via email or a submission form.
4. Pick up freelance gigs.
Nothing spreads a professional profile like wildfire like actual work does. And how do you get more actual work? You pick up freelance gigs. The more people you work for, the more people there are to talk about you. It’s really that simple.
5. Create a monthly or semi-annual newsletter.
If you’re more into old-fashioned ways, a monthly or semi-annual newsletter might be the way to go. Summarize all your accomplishments, say something insightful, throw in a few pics, and you’re good to go.
Start by gathering together a listserv that includes all your friends, family, former colleagues, and current colleagues. Decide on a regular time frame that seems appropriate for sending out your newsletter, and stick to it consistently. In doing this, you’re getting your name and your work into the minds of all these people, who might then think of you if future opportunities arise.
6. Reach out to your favorite companies via email.
Have a company you would love to work for? Shoot them an email. It may be a longshot, but even if you don’t pick up any work, you’re still getting your name in their system. Of course, just be sure to be respectful.
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This article was originally published on Remote.com